What is therapy like?

You may feel anxious before starting therapy as you are likely to be talking about sensitive issues with someone you are meeting for the first time. You may be unsure how to describe the issues, but it is not uncommon to struggle putting these into words. You will be given a space to try and start this process. The most important thing is feeling comfortable with your therapist, so getting a sense of this for yourself is part of the initial consultation. There is no obligation to continue if you are unsure.

What do Clinical Psychologists do? Is it different from counselling or therapy?

Clinical Psychologists undergo extensive Doctoral Training to provide therapy using a variety of approaches or ‘models’, including Psychodynamic, CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy), Family Therapy (sometimes called ‘Systemic Therapy’) and Mindfulness. Mindfulness-based approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy. I therefore draw on a broad range of these approaches when listening to your issues and thinking alongside you. Counsellors and Therapists are usually well trained professionals, but typically practise using one key approach/model.

How many sessions should I do?

The work can be open-ended or brief and focused, depending on the nature of your difficulties or what you are hoping to work on. This will be discussed with you as part of the initial consultation, and as part of the ongoing work.

When and how often should I do sessions?

Psychological therapy takes place at mutually agreed, regular times in order to maintain a sense of continuity and consistency.

How long do sessions last?

Therapy sessions last for 50 minutes.

Do you offer sessions online?

Since the pandemic we have found that therapy on the phone or using video-based communication can be a suitable alternative to face-to-face work. This can simply be to explore difficulties, but there is also an option to talk through visual materials (such as slides or handouts) on a shared screen.